FRYEBURG — Wilson Whitten, 84, of Fryeburg, died on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn, after a period of failing health.
Born on Dec. 18, 1929, in West Baldwin, Wilson was the son of Andrew Whitten and Beatrice (Hamilton) Whitten. Wilson graduated from Fryeburg Academy with the class of 1949.
Wilson lived for many years in East Hampton, Conn., and worked at Pratt-Whitney Aircraft plant in East Hartford, Conn., as a machinist and eventually as a shift leader. He returned to Maine in 1962, and worked for J.V. Components in Conway, N.H., and later for New England Tool in Fryeburg.
In 1950, he married Natalie (Martin) Whitten and together they raised their son, Gary, until Natalie's death at age 37. In 1966 Wilson married Jeanne (Gosselin) Whitten and they shared 44 years of marriage until her passing in 2010. Wilson and Jeanne loved to spend time with family, gardening, and creating crafts that were often donated in support of their favorite organizations or their church. Wilson was a wonderful woodworker and machinist, and could repair just about any broken item given to him. For many years, he purchased homes in the Fryeburg area, renovated them, and resold them. Wilson was a proud member of the Pythagorean Lodge #11 AF & AM.
Wilson is predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Natalie; and his second wife Jeanne. He is survived by his son, Gary Whitten and his wife Sally, with whom he lived for the last year of his life; his sister, Virginia Morris of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada; and his niece, Connie Adams of Fryeburg.
A graveside service was held on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at the Pine Grove Cemetery, Route 302, Fryeburg. A reception immediately followed at the Pythagorean Lodge, 50 Portland St., in Fryeburg. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wilson's memory can be sent to: Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.
Arrangements were made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.org